Sport in Short: Equestrianism

CROSS-COUNTRY fences will be roped off for safety reasons at the Badminton Horse Trials from 6 to 9 May. The falls which led to three horses being put down last year could have been caused by spectators trampling the wet ground in front of each jump, so this time the take-off areas will be barred to the public. Other new rules will prevent a rider from carrying on after a serious fall until a vet or doctor has arrived, and eliminate horses after five refusals or run-outs. There will be 10 new fences at this year's event, which is Britain's main team selection trial for the European championships in Germany in September.